Upcycle a Full Midi Length Silk Skirt into a Totally Unique Tunic Top

Silk top from left side

Silk top from left side

January is a great time of year to go through your wardrobe and have a good sort out.

Repairing, updating and altering your garments is better for the environment. 

Although it is tempting to hit the sales and stock up on more fast fashion, this uses the planets precious resources of water and energy during the retail production process.

Sometimes it can happen that we like an item of clothing in our wardrobe but we just don't wear it enough to justify the hanging space.

 

 

basic tunic shape

basic tunic shape

This can sometimes be because although the quality, colour and fabric of the dress (for example) is good,  the garment does not suit our favourite silhouette.

By this we mean the shape or outfit choice that we most select to wear, for example an 'A' line dress and short cardigan or skinny trousers and a loose top.

 

 

 

silk triangles for shwl collar

silk triangles for shwl collar

In this post we are transforming a full lined, midi length skirt with a zip waist into a loosely fitted tunic top with full sleeves and a wide 'roll neck' collar with a zip at the back.

Start by making sure your skirt is ironed and laid flat and smoothed out on your table and the fastening is at the centre of the fabric.

Skirt waist becomes new top collar

Skirt waist becomes new top collar

Make sure the back and front of your fabric is lying on top of eachother perfectly so that the bottom seams are matching correctly.

Select a top that fits you well already. Using it as a pattern, lay out the garment and pin around your favourite shirt to create the right shape for your new tunic. Leave plenty of length for full sleeves.

 

sewing new arm holes

sewing new arm holes

Cut around your pins making sure you leave 20 mm for hemming all the way around. Just leave the bottom hem as it will form the bottom of your new top.

See this previous tutorial blogpost for more details on how to do this:

http://www.createdisplay.com/?p=2308

Take the pieces you have left over and cut in two to create four triangular pieces.

 

 

 

 

flat cuff pieces

flat cuff pieces

Ironing a small hem around each piece lay the pieces around the inside the new collar of the tunic (what was the waist of the skirt) and sew in place either by hand or by machine whichever you think will look more attractive on the front of your new blouse.

If your original skirt has a lining, cut off the newly created arm sections so that just two large arm holes remain so the tunic will hang from the shoulders nicely without too much bulky fabric. Neatly press and hem the arm holes by machining all the way around.

ruched cuff ready to sew

ruched cuff ready to sew

Cut two strips of flat elastic approximately twice the width of your hand at its widest point so that you will be able to easily push your arm through the cuffs.

Lay the elastic pieces on top of two pieces of silk or similar weight fabric leaving 20 mm around the sides and top of the elastic strips. Sew the elastic onto the middle of the silk pieces and attach together at the ends so they make a loose circular shape.

 

 

both cuffs on silk shirt

both cuffs on silk shirt

Hand sew the elastic cuffs into place on each arm creating a flattering shape for your body type and leaving a comfortable hem on the bottom of each sleeve.

We made four 'rings' of sewing to attach the elasticated cuffs in toital so that the silk fabric layers lie comfortably flat and hang well once ironed.

 

Silk top looking at wall hanging

Silk top looking at wall hanging

Enjoy wearing your new tunic top and don't forget to add a belt if you want to dress up your look, show off your waist and add definition to your outfit.

Alternatively wear with skinny leggings or trousers or tuck into high waisted jeans.

For a more relaxed look for relaxing at home for example pair with wide leg trousers or a short skirt and tights if it is cool.

   
Silk top close up front

Silk top close up front

The pattern on this shirt is quite bold so it is a good idea to coordinate with plain pieces to keep the outfit elegant.

Let us know if you are inspired to upcycle any of your apparel this Spring.

We love to see your handmade projects so do contact us at our Create Display page on facebook or email a message and photo to:

admin@createdisplay.com

Have a creative day!